Copolymer-containing compositions from substituted triazine-capped polyphenylene ethers

ABSTRACT

Substituted alkoxy-or alkylthiochlorotriazines wherein the substituents on the alkoxy groups are chlorine, bromine or dialkylphosphato are useful as capping agents for polyphenylene ethers. The capped polyphenylene ethers form copolymers with other polymer containing nucleophilic groups, including polyesters, polyamides and functionalized olefin polymers. Such copolymers serve as compatibilizers in the formation of blends having high impact strength.

This invention relates to the preparation of copolymer-containingcompositions from reactive triazine-capped polyphenylene ethers.

The polyphenylene ethers are a widely used class of thermoplasticengineering resins characterized by excellent hydrolytic stability,dimensional stability, toughness, heat resistance and dielectricproperties. However, they are deficient in certain other properties suchas workability and solvent resistance. Therefore, there is a continuingsearch for means for modifying polyphenylene ethers to improve theseother properties.

Among the means being studied are blending of polyphenylene ethers withcertain other resinous materials such as polyesters, polyamides orolefin polymers. Blends of these other materials with polyphenyleneethers are, however, usually incompatible. Molded parts fabricated fromsuch blends are generally brittle and may undergo catastrophicdelamination upon impact.

Compatibilization of blends of polyphenylene ethers with these otherpolymers may be achieved by several methods. A frequently preferredmethod is the formation of a copolymer of the polyphenylene ether withthe other polymer; when present in the blend, said copolymer serves as acompatibilizer for the uncopolymerized constituents.

One method for preparing copolymers of polyphenylene ethers withpolyesters, polyamides and the like is disclosed in copending, commonlyowned application Ser. No. 07/351,905. This method comprises capping thepolyphenylene ether by reaction with an epoxychlorotriazine such as2-chloro-4,6-diglycidoxy-1,3,5-triazine,2-chloro-4-(n-butoxy)-6-glycidoxy-1,3,5-triazine or2-chloro-4-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy) -6-glycidoxy-1,3,5-triazine. Suchcapped polyphenylene ethers readily form copolymers with nucleophilicpolymers such as polyesters, polyamides and functionalized olefinpolymers, and blends containing such copolymers have numerous desirableproperties including high impact and tensile strengths and structuralintegrity.

However, the use of epoxychlorotriazines as capping agents has certaindisadvantages. Among these are the necessity to use compounds such asglycidol in the preparation of the epoxychlorotriazines. Glycidol isexpensive, and also has carcinogenic properties. Interest continues,therefore, in the development of new capping reagents capable of formingpolyphenylene ethers which are reactive with other polymers. The presentinvention includes compositions comprising copolymers prepared by thereaction of other polymers with polyphenylene ethers which have beencapped with such capping reagents.

The invention includes compositions comprising copolymers prepared bythe reaction of a polymer containing reactive groups with a substitutedalkoxy- or alkylthiotriazine-capped polyphenylene ether having endgroups of the formula ##STR1## wherein:

each Q¹ is independently halogen, primary or secondary lower alkyl,phenyl, haloalkyl, aminoalkyl, hydrocarbonoxy, or halohydrocarbonoxywherein at least two carbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms;

each Q² is independently hydrogen, halogen, primary or secondary loweralkyl, phenyl, haloalkyl, hydrocarbonoxy or halohydrocarbonoxy asdefined for Q¹ ;

X¹ is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic radical or ##STR2##

X² is a group displaceable by nucleophilic aliphatic substitution;

each Z is independently oxygen or sulfur;

each R¹ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄ primary or secondary alkyl or anon-hydrocarbon substituent substantially inert to displacement bynucleophilic moieties;

R² is a C₁₋₃ alkylene radical which is unsubstituted or is substitutedwith moieties selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ primary orsecondary alkyl radicals and non-hydrocarbon substituents as defined forR¹ ;

each R³ is independently R¹ or X² ;

m is 0 or 1; and

n is 1-3.

Examples of primary lower alkyl groups (i.e., alkyl groups having up to7 carbon atoms) suitable as Q¹ and Q² are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,n-butyl, isobutyl, n-amyl, isoamyl, 2-methylbutyl, n-hexyl,2,3-dimethylbutyl, 2-, 3- or 4-methylpentyl and the corresponding heptylgroups. Examples of secondary lower alkyl groups are isopropyl,sec-butyl and 3-pentyl. Preferably, any alkyl radicals are straightchain rather than branched. Most often, each Q¹ is alkyl or phenyl,especially C₁₋₄ alkyl, and each Q² is hydrogen.

It is apparent from formula I that the compositions of this inventionare characterized by a number of features relating to the end groups onthe polyphenylene ether. One of these features is the presence on thetriazine ring of a ZX¹ moiety, wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur, usuallyoxygen, and X¹ may be an alkyl or cycloalkyl radical, typically loweralkyl (i.e., alkyl of up to 7 carbon atoms) and especially primary orsecondary lower alkyl; an aromatic radical, typically monocyclic andcontaining 6-10 carbon atoms and especially an aromatic hydrocarbonradical; or a radical of formula II. The aromatic radicals are oftenpreferred by reason of the availability of reagents which provide them;the mesityl (2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) radical is often particularlypreferred.

The X² radical may be any group capable of displacement by nucleophilicaliphatic substitution. Examples of such groups are chlorine, bromine,iodine, alkylsulfonate, arylsulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate,phosphonate, phosphinate, thiophosphate, thiophosphonate andthiophosphinate groups. Preferred displaceable radicals includechlorine, bromine and ##STR3## wherein Z is as previously defined andeach R⁴ is a C₁₋₃₀ primary or secondary alkyl, aromatic or alkarylradical or two R⁴ radicals and the atoms connecting them form a cyclicstructure. Most often, each Z is oxygen and each R⁴ is a C₁₋₈ primaryalkyl radical, especially methyl or ethyl.

The R¹ radicals may be hydrogen or C₁₋₄ primary or secondary alkyl. Whenalkyl, they are preferably methyl or ethyl. They may also benon-hydrocarbon substituents which are not displaced under theconditions encountered during capping of a polyphenylene ether andreaction of the capped polyphenylene ether with another polymercontaining nucleophilic groups. Illustrative substituents of this typeare fluoro, acyl, nitro, alkylsulfoxy and alkylsulfone. Most often, eachR¹ is hydrogen.

There may also be present an R² group (when m is 1) which is a C₁₋₃alkylene radical. It may be unsubstituted or substituted with moietiesof the type described hereinabove with reference to R¹. When present, itis most often unsubstituted; i.e., it is a methylene, ethylene ortrimethylene radical. However, for reasons described hereinafter thepreferred chlorotriazines are those in which m is 0; i.e., those whichdo not contain an R² radical.

The R³ values may be R¹ or X² as described hereinabove. They are mostoften hydrogen or X², and preferably hydrogen.

The non-polyphenylene ether carbon atom in formula I which is linked byoxygen or sulfur to the triazine ring contains from 0 to 2 R¹ radicalsattached thereto, with the remainder of its valence bonds beingsatisfied by the bracketed moieties. Most often, n is 1; that is, onlyone such bracketed moiety is present.

The capped polyphenylene ethers used in the preparation of thecompositions of this invention are claimed in copending, commonly ownedapplication Ser. No. [RD-20356]. They may be prepared by effectingreaction, in the presence of an alkaline reagent, between apolyphenylene ether and a substituted chlorotriazine of the formula##STR4## wherein R¹⁻³, X¹⁻², Z, m and n are as previously defined.

The substituted chlorotriazines of formula IV are in turn disclosed andclaimed in copending, commonly owned application Ser. No. [RD-20015].They may be prepared by the reaction of cyanuric chloride (i.e.,2,4,6-trichlorotriazine) with a first hydroxy or thio compound of theformula ##STR5## wherein R¹⁻³, X¹⁻², Z, m and n are as previouslydefined, and preferably also sequentially with a second hydroxy or thiocompound of the formula X¹ ZH. The order in which reaction with the twohydroxy or thio compounds takes place is not critical. Most often, thecyanuric chloride first undergoes reaction with a compound of formula V,said compounds being used in substantially equimolar amounts or thehydroxy or thio compound in only slight excess (e.g., up to about a 7%molar excess) so as to produce a substituted dichlorotriazine which thenundergoes reaction with the second hydroxy or thio compound, saidcompounds being employed in substantially the same proportions as in theabove-described first step.

These reactions are usually most efficiently conducted at temperaturesbelow about 10° C., typically between about -10° and 10° C., in thepresence of a suitable hydrogen chloride scavenger such as an alkalimetal hydroxide. It is frequently preferred to employ a relativelynon-polar solvent such as chloroform, methylene chloride, toluene,xylene or chlorobenzene. It is also frequently advantageous to employ aphase transfer catalyst Any of such catalysts which are stable andeffective under the prevailing reaction conditions may be used; thoseskilled in the art will readily perceive which ones are suitable.Particularly preferred are the tetraalkylammonium chlorides wherein atleast two alkyl groups per molecule, typically 2 or 3, contain about5-20 carbon atoms.

Following completion of the sequential reactions, the substitutedchlorotriazine may be isolated by conventional methods. These typicallyinclude stripping of solvent and recrystallization.

The preparation of the substituted chlorotriazines is illustrated by thefollowing examples.

EXAMPLE 1

A 3-necked 500 ml. round-bottomed flask equipped with a magneticstirrer, a pressure-equalized addition funnel and a thermometer wascharged with 21.81 grams (118 mmol.) of cyanuric chloride, 10 grams(124.2 mmol.) of 2-chloroethanol and 200 ml. of methylene chloride. Themixture was cooled to 0° C., there was added 4 drops of a commerciallyavailable tetraalkylammonium chloride in which the alkyl groupscontained 8-10 carbon atoms, and 11.92 grams (149 mmol.) of 50% aqueoussodium hydroxide solution was added dropwise, with stirring, whereuponan exothermic reaction took place and cooling was continued to maintaina temperature no higher than 5° C. The mixture was warmed to roomtemperature and stirred for 4 hours, after which 16.91 grams (124 mmol.)of mesitol was added and the flask was again cooled to 0° C. Anadditional 9.96 grams (125 mmol.) of sodium hydroxide solution was addedunder the same conditions, and the mixture was warmed to roomtemperature and stirred overnight.

The aqueous and organic phases were separated and the organic phase waswashed three times with distilled water, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulfate, filtered and vacuum stripped. There was obtained 34.3 grams(88% of theoretical) of the desired2-chloro-4-(2-chloroethoxy)-6-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine.The structure of the product was confirmed by proton nuclear magneticresonance spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE 2

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, except that the order ofaddition of mesitol and 2-chloroethanol was reversed. The same productwas obtained.

EXAMPLE 3

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, substituting 2-bromoethanol onan equimolar basis for the 2-chloroethanol. The product was the desired2-chloro-4-(2-bromoethoxy)-6-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine.

EXAMPLE 4

A 3-necked 1 liter round-bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirbar, 50 ml. pressure-equalized addition funnel and thermometer wascharged with 31.45 grams (171 mmol.) of cyanuric chloride, 33.8 grams(171 mmol.) of 2-hydroxyethyl diethyl phosphate and 350 ml. of methylenechloride. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes until homogeneous,whereupon there was added 4 drops of the tetraalkylammonium chlorideemployed in Example 1. The flask was cooled to 0° C. and 17.06 grams(213 mmol.) of 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was added over 15minutes, while the temperature was maintained below 6° C. The additionfunnel was flushed with 3 ml. of deionized water and the mixture wasstirred for 5 minutes at 5° C. and then allowed to warm to roomtemperature and stirred overnight. There was then added 18.1 grams (133mmol.) of mesitol, and the mixture was again maintained in the range of0°-5° C. as 12.77 grams (160 mmol.) of sodium hydroxide solution wasadded.

The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 30 minutes.The organic layer was removed, washed three times with 10% aqueoussodium hydroxide solution and three times with deionized water, anddried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration, the solvent was vacuumstripped to yield 54 grams of a white oil which was shown by protonnuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to comprise the desired2-chloro-4-(2-diethylphosphatoethoxy)-6-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine. There was also present as animpurity, in the amount of 16%,2-chloro-4,6-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine.

The polyphenylene ethers which may be capped by reaction with thesubstituted chlorotriazines encompass numerous variations andmodifications all of which are applicable to the present invention,including but not limited to those described hereinafter. They comprisea plurality of structural units having the formula ##STR6## wherein Q¹⁻²are as previOusly defined. Suitable polyphenylene ethers are disclosedin a large number of patents.

Both homopolymer and copolymer polyphenylene ethers are included.Suitable homopolymers are those containing, for example,2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether units. Suitable copolymers includerandom copolymers containing such units in combination with (forexample) 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether units. Many suitable randomcopolymers, as well as homopolymers, are disclosed in the patentliterature.

Also included are polyphenylene ethers containing moieties which modifyproperties such as molecular weight, melt viscosity and/or impactstrength. Such polymers are described in the patent literature and maybe prepared by grafting onto the polyphenylene ether in known mannersuch vinyl monomers as acrylonitrile and vinylaromatic compounds (e.g.,styrene), or such polymers as polystyrenes and elastomers. The producttypically contains both grafted and ungrafted moieties. Other suitablepolymers are the coupled polyphenylene ethers in which the couplingagent is reacted in known manner with the hydroxy groups of twopolyphenylene ether chains to produce a higher molecular weight polymercontaining the reaction product of the hydroxy groups and the couplingagent, provided substantial proportions of free hydroxy groups remainpresent Illustrative coupling agents are low molecular weightpolycarbonates, quinones, heterocycles and formals.

The polyphenylene ether generally has a number average molecular weightwithin the range of about 3,000-40,000 and a weight average molecularweight within the range of about 20,000-80,000, as determined by gelpermeation chromatography. Its intrinsic viscosity is most often in therange of about 0.15-0.6 dl./g., as measured in chloroform at 5° C.

The polyphenylene ethers are typically prepared by the oxidativecoupling of at least one corresponding monohydroxyaromatic compound.Particularly useful and readily available monohydroxyaromatic compoundsare 2,6-xylenol (wherein each Q¹ is methyl and each Q² is hydrogen),whereupon the polymer may be characterized as apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), and 2,3,6-trimethylphenol(wherein each Q¹ and one Q² is methyl and the other Q² is hydrogen).

A variety of catalyst systems are known for the preparation ofpolyphenylene ethers by oxidative coupling. There is no particularlimitation as to catalyst choice and any of the known catalysts can beused. For the most part, they contain at least one heavy metal compoundsuch as a copper, manganese or cobalt compound, usually in combinationwith various other materials.

A first class of preferred catalyst systems consists of those containinga copper compound. Such catalysts are disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,306,874, 3,306,875, 3,914,266 and 4,028,341. They areusually combinations of cuprous or cupric ions, halide (i.e., chloride,bromide or iodide) ions and at least one amine.

Catalyst systems containing manganese compounds constitute a secondpreferred class. They are generally alkaline systems in which divalentmanganese is combined with such anions as halide, alkoxide or phenoxide.Most often, the manganese is present as a complex with one or morecomplexing and/or chelating agents such as dialkylamines, alkanolamines,alkylenediamines, o-hydroxyaromatic aldehydes, o-hydroxyazo compounds,ω-hydroxyoximes (monomeric and polymeric), o-hydroxyaryl oximes andβ-diketones. Also useful are known cobalt-containing catalyst systems.Suitable manganese and cobalt-containing catalyst systems forpolyphenylene ether preparation are known in the art by reason ofdisclosure in numerous patents and publications.

The polyphenylene ethers which may be employed for the purposes of thisinvention include those which comprise molecules having at least one ofthe end groups of the formulas ##STR7## wherein Q¹ and Q² are aspreviously defined; each R⁵ is independently hydrogen or alkyl, with theproviso that the total number of carbon atoms in both R⁵ radicals is 6or less; and each R⁵ is independently hydrogen or a C₁₋₆ primary alkylradical. Preferably, each R⁵ is hydrogen and each R⁶ is alkyl,especially methyl or n-butyl. Polymers containing theaminoalkyl-substituted end groups of formula VII are typically obtainedby incorporating an appropriate primary or secondary monoamine as one ofthe constituents of the oxidative coupling reaction mixture, especiallywhen a copper- or manganese-containing catalyst is used. Such amines,especially the dialkylamines and preferably di-n-butylamine anddimethylamine, frequently become chemically bound to the polyphenyleneether, most often by replacing one of the α-hydrogen atoms on one ormore Q¹ radicals The principal site of reaction is the Q¹ radicaladjacent to the hydroxy group on the terminal unit of the polymer chain.During further processing and/or blending, the aminoalkyl-substitutedend groups may undergo various reactions, probably involving a quinonemethide-type intermediate of the formula ##STR8## with numerousbeneficial effects often including an increase in impact strength andcompatibilization with other blend components. Reference is made to U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,054,553, 4,092,294, 4,477,649, 4,477,651 and 4,517,341, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Polymers with 4-hydroxybiphenyl end groups of formula VIII are oftenespecially useful in the present invention. They are typically obtainedfrom reaction mixtures in which a by-product diphenoquinone of theformula ##STR9## is present, especially in a copper-halide-secondary ortertiary amine system In this regard, the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No.4,477,649 is again pertinent as are those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,234,706and 4,482,697, which are also incorporated by reference herein. Inmixtures of this type, the diphenoquinone is ultimately incorporatedinto the polymer in substantial proportions, largely as an end group.

In many polyphenylene ethers obtained under the above-describedconditions, a substantial proportion of the polymer molecules, typicallyconstituting as much as about 90% by weight of the polymer, contain endgroups having one or frequently both of formulas VII and VIII. It shouldbe understood, however, that other end groups may be present and thatthe invention in its broadest sense may not be dependent on themolecular structures of the polyphenylene ether end groups. It is,however, required that a substantial proportion of free, non-hydrogenbonded hydroxy groups be present; that is, that a substantial proportionof hydroxy-terminated end groups have structures other than that offormula VII.

The use of polyphenylene ethers containing substantial amounts ofunneutralized amino nitrogen may afford compositions with undesirablylow impact strengths. The amino compounds include, in addition to theaforementioned aminoalkyl end groups, traces of amine (particularlysecondary amine) in the catalyst used to form the polyphenylene ether.

The present invention therefore includes the use of polyphenylene ethersin which a substantial proportion of amino compounds has been removed orinactivated. Polymers so treated contain unneutralized amino nitrogen,if any, in amounts no greater than 800 ppm. and more preferably in therange of about 100-800 ppm.

A preferred method of inactivation is by extrusion of the polyphenyleneether at a temperature within the range of about 230°-350° C., withvacuum venting. This is preferably achieved in a preliminary extrusionstep, by connecting the vent of the extruder to a vacuum pump capable ofreducing the pressure to about 200 torr or less.

It is believed that this inactivation method aids in the removal byevaporation of any traces of free amines (predominantly secondaryamines) in the polymer, including amines generated by conversion ofaminoalkyl end groups to quinone methides of the type represented byformula IX.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing thatthe polyphenylene ethers contemplated for use in the present inventioninclude all those presently known, irrespective of variations instructural units or ancillary chemical features.

The reaction between the substituted chlorotriazine and thepolyphenylene ether is conducted in the presence of an alkaline reagentwhich serves as a catalyst and/or hydrogen chloride acceptor. Varioustypes of alkaline reagents may be employed; they include alkali metalhydroxides, most often sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, andamines, most often tertiary amines such as pyridine. When amines areused, the reaction may take place in a homogeneous organic medium,typically provided by a non-polar organic liquid such as toluene, xyleneor chlorobenzene.

It is generally preferred to employ an alkali metal hydroxide as thebase, ordinarily in the form of an aqueous solution and in combinationwith the same types of non-polar organic liquids as reaction media. Thereaction is then heterogeneous and it is preferred to incorporate in themixture a phase transfer catalyst of the type previously described.Reaction temperatures in such heterogeneous media are typically in therange of about 20°-100 C.

The proportions of substituted chlorotriazine and polyphenylene ethermay be varied widely, depending upon the proportion of copolymer desiredin the blend to be compatibilized. Molar ratios of substitutedchlorotriazine to polyphenylene ether, the latter in terms ofnon-hydrogen bonded hydroxy end groups, are typically in the range ofabout 0.1-2.0:1. The molar ratio of base to polyphenylene ether isusually in the range of about 1-2:1, and the phase transfer catalyst(when employed) is present in a minor amount effective to catalyze thereaction, such amounts being known in the art as readily determinable bysimple experimentation.

Following completion of the capping reaction, organic solvent can beremoved by conventional operations, typically including precipitationwith a non-solvent. Among the non-solvents which may be employed aremethanol, 1-propanol, acetone, acetonitrile and mixtures thereof. It isalso possible to employ the solution of the capped polyphenylene etherdirectly in copolymer formation, as by a reactive extrusion processleading to removal of the solvent by volatilization or accompanied byaddition of an anti-solvent and isolation of a slurry as the extrudate.

The molecular structure of the end groups of the substitutedchlorotriazine-capped polyphenylene ethers is believed to correspond toformula I. It is also appropriate, however, to define said cappedpolyphenylene ethers in terms of the method for their preparation.

The preparation of capped polyphenylene ethers from the substitutedchlorotriazines is illustrated by the following examples. In eachexample, the polyphenylene ether employed was a commercially availablepoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity inchloroform at 25° C. of 0.40 dl./g. Molar proportions of polyphenyleneether are in terms of non-hydrogen bonded hydroxy end groups.

EXAMPLE 5

A 3-necked 12 liter flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, athermometer and a nitrogen purge system was charged with 3.7 liters oftoluene and 800 grams (47 mmol.) of polyphenylene ether The mixture washeated to 55° C. until the polyphenylene ether had dissolved, whereupon4 grams of the phase transfer catalyst solution of Example 1 and 5.65grams (71 mmol.) of 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were added.The mixture was vigorously stirred at 55° C. for 15 minutes, after which34.3 grams (104 mmol.) of the product of Example 1 was added andstirring was continued for 35 minutes. The remaining base was quenchedby bubbling gaseous carbon dioxide through the mixture for 7 minutes,and the product was isolated by pouring into methanol, filtration anddrying in a vacuum oven. There was obtained 806 grams of the desiredcapped polyphenylene ether; its molecular structure was confirmed byproton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE 6

The procedure of Example 5 was repeated, substituting 94 mmol. of theproduct of Example 3 for that of Example 1. There was obtained 802 gramsof the desired capped polyphenylene ether.

EXAMPLE 7

The procedure of Example 5 was repeated, substituting 41.96 grams (94mmol.) of the product of Example 4 for that of Example 1. There wasobtained 802 grams of the desired capped polyphenylene ether.

The compositions of this invention are prepared by the reaction of theabove-described capped polyphenylene ethers with other polymerscontaining reactive groups, particularly those capable of nucleophilicaliphatic addition or substitution such as amine, hydroxy, thio andcarboxy groups and functional derivatives thereof. Such groups may bepresent at any location in the other polymer molecule; i.e., they may beend groups, substituents and grafted moieties. Thus, it is possible toform compositions of this invention from numerous polymers which areotherwise incompatible with polyphenylene ethers, including polyesters,polyamides and carboxy-functionalized olefin polymers. By reason of thepresence of the copolymer, such compositions are compatible and may bemolded into articles having excellent physical properties. They are alsouseful for further compatibilizing blends of the two polymers to formmolding compositions having similar excellent properties.

It is frequently preferred, particularly when the other polymer is apolyester or polyamide or is otherwise subject to hydrolyticdegradation, to employ a capped polyphenylene ether in which X² is aphosphato group rather than halogen. This is true because of theincreased rate of hydrolysis of the other polymer in the presence ofby-product hydrogen halides when X² is chlorine or bromine, whichfrequently results in the formation of compositions having somewhatlower impact strengths than when X² is phosphato. Alternatively, asuitable hydrogen halide scavenger may be employed.

Polyesters suitable for preparing the compositions of this inventioninclude those comprising structural units of the formula ##STR10##wherein each R⁷ is independently a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic oraromatic hydrocarbon or polyoxyalkylene radical and A¹ is a divalentaromatic radical. Such polyesters include thermoplastic polyestersillustrated by poly(alkylene dicarboxylates), elastomeric polyesters,polyarylates, and polyester copolymers such as copolyestercarbonates.Because the principal reaction which occurs with the substituent groupsin the capped polyphenylene ether involves a carboxylic acid group ofthe polyester, it is highly preferred that said polyester have arelatively high carboxylic end group concentration. Concentrations inthe range of about 5-250 microequivalents per gram are generallysuitable, with 10-100 microequivalents per gram being preferable, 30-100being more preferable and 40-80 being particularly desirable.

The polyester may include structural units of the formula ##STR11##wherein R⁷ is as previously defined, R⁸ is a polyoxyalkylene radical andA² is a trivalent aromatic radical. The A¹ radical in formula XI is mostoften p- or m-phenylene or a mixture thereof, and A² in formula XII isusually derived from trimellitic acid and has the structure ##STR12##

The R⁷ radical may be, for example, a C₂₋₁₀ alkylene radical, a C₆₋₁₀alicyclic radical, a C₆₋₂₀ aromatic radical or a polyoxyalkylene radicalin which the alkylene groups contain about 2-6 and most often 4 carbonatoms. As previously noted, this class of polyesters includes thepoly(alkylene terephthalates) and the polyarylates. Poly(alkyleneterephthalates) are frequently preferred, with poly(ethyleneterephthalate) and poly(butylene terephthalate) being most preferred.

The polyester generally has a number average molecular weight in therange of about 20,000-70,000, as determined by intrinsic viscosity (IV)at 30° C. in a mixture of 60% (by weight) phenol and 40%1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane.

Polyamides suitable for formation of the compositions of this inventionmay be made by any known method. They preferably contain a substantialproportion of amine end groups. In many instances, polyamides in whichthe amine end group concentration is at least about 60 meq./g. areparticularly useful.

Suitable polyamides include those of the type prepared by thepolymerization of a monoamino-monocarboxylic acid or a lactam thereofhaving at least 2 carbon atoms between the amino and carboxylic acidgroup, of substantially equimolar proportions of a diamine whichcontains at least 2 carbon atoms between the amino groups and adicarboxylic acid, or of a monoaminocarboxylic acid or a lactam thereofas defined above together with substantially equimolar proportions of adiamine and a dicarboxylic acid. The dicarboxylic acid may be used inthe form of a functional derivative thereof, for example, an ester oracid chloride.

Examples of the aforementioned monoaminomonocarboxylic acids or lactamsthereof which are useful in preparing the polyamides include thosecompounds containing from 2 to 16 carbon atoms between the amino andcarboxylic acid groups, said carbon atoms forming a ring with the--CO--NH-- group in the case of a lactam. As particular examples ofaminocarboxylic acids and lactams there may be mentioned ε-aminocaproicacid, butyrolactam, pivalolactam, ε-caprolactam, capryllactam,enantholactam, undecanolactam, dodecanolactam and 3- and 4-aminobenzoicacids.

Diamines suitable for use in the preparation of the polyamides includethe straight chain and branched chain alkyl, aryl and alkaryl diaminesIllustrative diamines are trimethylenediamine, tetramethylenediamine,pentamethylenediamine, octamethylenediamine, hexamethylenediamine (whichis often preferred), trimethylhexamethylenediamine, m-phenylenediamineand m-xylylenediamine.

Suitable dicarboxylic acids include those which contain an aliphatic oraromatic group containing at least 2 carbon atoms separating the carboxygroups. The aliphatic acids are often preferred; they include sebacicacid, octadecanedioic acid, suberic acid, glutaric acid, pimelic acidand adipic acid.

Both crystalline and amorphous polyamides may be employed, with thecrystalline species often being preferred by reason of their solventresistance. Typical examples of the polyamides or nylons, as these areoften called, include, for example, polyamide-6 (polycaprolactam), 66(polyhexamethylene adipamide), 11, 12, 63, 64, 6/10 and 6/12 as well aspolyamides from terephthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid andtrimethylhexamethylenediamine; from adipic acid and m-xylylenediamines;from adipic acid, azelaic acid and 2,2-bis(p-aminophenyl)propane or2,2-bis-(p-aminocyclohexyl)propane and from terephthalic acid and4,4'-diaminodicyclohexylmethane. Mixtures and/or copolymers of two ormore of the foregoing polyamides or prepolymers thereof, respectively,are also within the scope of the present invention. Preferred polyamidesare polyamide-6, 66, 1 and 12, most preferably polyamide-66.

The olefin polymers (hereinafter sometimes designated "polyolefins")which may be functionalized for use in the preparation of compositionsof this invention are homopolymers and copolymers of known aliphaticolefins including ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, 1-pentene,2-pentene, 2-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene and1-dodecene. The C₂₋₆ olefins are preferred, with ethylene and propylenebeing most preferred.

For copolymer formation, it is essential for the polyolefin to have theaforementioned reactive substituents. They may be incorporated in thepolyolefin by employing suitable functional comonomers, such as acrylicacid, maleic anhydride or allylamine, in the formation thereof. They mayalso be provided by graft polymerization on an already preparedpolyolefin, using the same monomers, or by other art-recognized means offunctionalization. Any of the commercially availablegraft-functionalized polyolefins may be used, or suitable polymers maybe prepared from commercially available unfunctionalized polyolefinssuch as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene andpolypropylene.

For the preparation of compositions of this invention, it is highlypreferred to employ a blending method which results in the formation ofan intimate blend. Suitable methods include solution blending, althoughsuch procedures are of limited applicability to many polymers(especially polyesters and polyamides) by reason of their insolubilityin most common solvents. For this reason and because of the availabilityof melt blending equipment in commercial polymer processing facilities,melt reaction procedures are generally preferred. Conventional meltblending procedures and equipment may be employed, with extrusion oftenpreferred because of its relative convenience and particularsuitability. Typical reaction temperatures are in the range of about175°-350° C. It is usually preferred to extrude with vacuum venting asdescribed hereinabove with reference to uncapped polyphenylene ether,particularly if vacuum venting was not previously employed in thepreparation or processing of said polyphenylene ether.

Those skilled in the art will be familiar with blending methods andapparatus capable of intimately blending resinous constituents,especially by kneading. They are exemplified by disc-pack processors andvarious types of extrusion equipment. Illustrations of the latter arecontinuous mixers; single screw kneading extruders; corotating,intermeshing and counter-rotating, non-intermeshing twin screw extrudershaving such features as staggered configuration screws, forward-flightedcompounders, cylindrical bushings and left-handed screw elements; andextruders having screws which include at least one and preferably twokneading block elements.

In addition to copolymer, the compositions of this invention may alsocontain unreacted polyphenylene ether. This will include anypolyphenylene ether molecules having only hydrogen bonded end groups, aswell as other polyphenylene ether which is unfunctionalized as a resultof incomplete capping, which is functionalized but fails to react withpolyester or which is introduced in unfunctionalized form. In any event,molded parts produced from said compositions are generally ductile andhave higher impact strengths than those produced from simple blends,which are incompatible and often exhibit brittleness or delamination aspreviously described.

It is also contemplated to include in the blending step impact modifierscompatible with either or both of the polyphenylene ether and the otherpolymer.

Impact modifiers for polyphenylene ether compositions are well known inthe art. They are most often elastomeric polymers, typically derivedfrom one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of olefins,vinyl aromatic monomers, acrylic and alkylacrylic acids and their esterderivatives as well as conjugated dienes. Especially preferred impactmodifiers are the rubbery high-molecular weight materials includingnatural and synthetic polymeric materials showing elasticity at roomtemperature. They include both homopolymers and copolymers, includingrandom, block, radial block, graft and core-shell copolymers as well ascombinations thereof.

Polyolefins or olefin-based copolymers employable in the inventioninclude low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, linear lowdensity polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, poly(1-butene),poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), propylene-ethylene copolymers and the like.Additional olefin copolymers include copolymers of one or moreα-olefins, particularly ethylene, with copolymerizable monomersincluding, for example, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid and alkylacrylicacids as well as the ester derivatives thereof including, for example,ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and the like Also suitable are theionomer resins, which may be wholly or partially neutralized with metalions.

A particularly useful class of impact modifiers are those derived fromthe vinyl aromatic monomers. These include AB and ABA type block andradial block copolymers and vinyl aromatic conjugated diene core-shellgraft copolymers.

An especially preferred subclass of vinyl aromatic monomer-derivedresins is the block copolymers comprising monoalkenyl arene (usuallystyrene) blocks and conjugated diene (e.g., butadiene or isoprene) orolefin (e.g., ethylene-propylene, ethylene-butylene) blocks andrepresented as AB and ABA block copolymers. The conjugated diene blocksmay be partially or entirely hydrogenated, whereupon the properties aresimilar to the olefin block copolymers.

Suitable AB type block copolymers are disclosed in, for example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,078,254; 3,402,159; 3,297,793; 3,265,765 and 3,594,452 andUK Patent 1,264,741, all incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary oftypical species of AB block copolymers are polystyrene-polybutadiene(SBR), polystyrene-polyisoprene andpoly(alpha-methylstyrene)-polybutadiene. Such AB block copolymers areavailable commercially from a number of sources, including PhillipsPetroleum under the tradename SOLPRENE.

Additionally, ABA triblock copolymers and processes for their productionas well as hydrogenation, if desired, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,149,182; 3,231,635; 3,462,162; 3,287,333; 3,595,942; 3,694,523 and3,842,029, all incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of triblock copolymers includepolystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS),polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene (SIS),poly(α-methylstyrene)-polybutadiene-poly(α-methylstyrene) andpoly(α-methylstyrene)-polyisoprene-poly(α-methylstyrene). Particularlypreferred triblock copolymers are available commercially as CARIFLEX®,KRATON D® and KRATON G® from Shell.

Another class of impact modifiers is derived from conjugated dienes.While many copolymers containing conjugated dienes have been discussedabove, additional conjugated diene modifier resins include, for example,homopolymers and copolymers of one or more conjugated dienes including,for example, polybutadiene, butadiene-styrene copolymers,isoprene-isobutylene copolymers, chlorobutadiene polymers,butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, polyisoprene, and the like.Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubbers may also be used. These EPDM'sare typified as comprising predominantly ethylene units, a moderateamount of propylene units and up to about 20 mole percent ofnon-conjugated diene monomer units. Many such EPDM's and processes forthe production thereof are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,933,480;3,000,866; 3,407,158; 3,093,621 and 3,379,701, incorporated herein byreference.

Other suitable impact modifiers are the core-shell type graftcopolymers. In general, these have a predominantly conjugated dienerubbery core or a predominantly crosslinked acrylate rubbery core andone or more shells polymerized thereon and derived from monoalkenylareneand/or acrylic monomers alone or, preferably, in combination with othervinyl monomers. Such core-shell copolymers are widely availablecommercially, for example, from Rohm and Haas Company under the tradenames KM-611, KM-653, KM-330, and are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,808,180; 4,034;013; 4,096,202; 4,180,494 and 4,292,233.

Also useful are the core-shell copolymers wherein an interpenetratingnetwork of the resins employed characterizes the interface between thecore and shell. Especially preferred in this regard are the ASA typecopolymers available from General Electric Company and sold as GELOY™resin and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,631.

In addition, there may be employed the above-described polymers andcopolymers having copolymerized therewith or grafted thereon monomershaving functional groups and/or polar or active groups. Finally, othersuitable impact modifiers include Thiokol rubber, polysulfide rubber,polyurethane rubber, polyether rubber (e.g., polypropylene oxide),epichlorohydrin rubber, ethylenepropylene rubber, thermoplasticpolyester elastomers and thermoplastic ether-ester elastomers.

There may also be present in the compositions of this inventionconventional ingredients such as fillers, flame retardants, pigments,dyes, stabilizers, anti-static agents, crystallization aids, moldrelease agents and the like, as well as resinous components notpreviously discussed.

The proportions of polyphenylene ether, other polymer and other resinousmaterials such as impact modifier (if present) in the compositions ofthis invention are not critical; they may be widely varied to providecompositions having the desired properties Most often, the polyphenyleneether is employed in an amount in the range of about 5-95%, preferablyabout 15-70:, of the composition by weight. Impact modifiers such asdiblock or triblock copolymers are usually present in an amount up toabout 50 parts per 100 parts of polyphenylene ether.

The preparation of the compositions of this invention is illustrated bythe following examples. All parts are by weight.

EXAMPLE 8

A dry blend of 20 parts of the product of Example 7, 70 parts of acommercially available poly(butylene terephthalate) having a numberaverage molecular weight of about 50,000 as determined by gel permeationchromatography, and 10 parts of a commercially available triblockcopolymer with polystyrene end blocks having weight average molecularweights of 29,000 and a hydrogenated butadiene midblock having a weightaverage molecular weight of 116,000 was prepared and extruded attemperatures in the range of 120°-288° C. The extrudate was the desiredcopolymer-containing composition; it was pelletized, dried for 4 hoursat 120° C. and molded into a test specimen which was tested for notchedIzod impact strength (ASTM procedure D256). It was found to have animpact strength of 774 joules/m. For comparison, a control, prepared byan identical procedure using a polyphenylene ether which had been cappedwith 2-chloro-4-ethoxy-6-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)triazine, was found tohave an impact strength of 16 joules/m.

EXAMPLES 9-12

Following the procedure of Example 8, compositions were prepared from acapped polyphenylene ether similar to that of Example 7 except that themolar ratio of chlorotriazine to polyphenylene ether was 1.5:1, uncappedpolyphenylene ether (in Examples 10-12), the poly(butyleneterephthalate) employed in Example 8 and two different impact modifiersthat of Example 8 (Examples 9-10) and a radial teleblock copolymercomprising 80% polybutadiene midblock and 20% polystyrene end blocks.The proportions and impact strengths are given in Table I, in comparisonwith a control in which no capped polyphenylene ether was present.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                                      Example                                                                       9    10     11     12   Control                                 ______________________________________                                        Polyphenylene ether, parts                                                    Capped          20     10     30   15   --                                    Uncapped        --     10     --   15   30                                    Polyester, parts                                                                              70     70     60   60   60                                    Impact modifier, parts                                                        Diblock         10     10     --   --   10                                    Radial teleblock                                                                              --     --     10   10   --                                    Izod impact strength,                                                                         635    545    860  790  48                                    joules/m.                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES 13-14

Following the procedure of Example 8, blends were prepared from 49 partsof the capped polyphenylene ethers of Examples 5 to 6, 41 parts of acommercially available polyamide-66 having a high amine end groupconcentration and 10 parts of the impact modifier of Example 8. Theimpact strengths are given in Table II, in comparison with a controlsimilar to that of Example 8 except for proportions and substitution ofpolyamide for polyester.

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                                         Example                                                                       13   14     Control                                          ______________________________________                                        Polyphenylene ether                                                                              Ex. 5  Ex. 6  Control                                      Izod impact strength, joules/m.                                                                  299    401    48                                           ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 15

Following the procedure of Exanoke 8, a composition was prepared from 49parts of the capped polyphenylene ether employed in Example 9-12, 41parts of the polyamide-66 of Examples 13-14 and 10 parts of the impactmodifier of Examples 11-12. It had a notched Izod impact strength of 603joules/m., as compared to 48 joules/m. for a similar blend prepared fromuncapped polyphenylene ether.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising copolymers prepared bythe reaction of a polymer containing reactive groups with a substitutedalkoxy- or alkylthio-triazine-capped polyphenylene ether having endgroups of the formula ##STR13## wherein: each Q¹ is independentlyhalogen, primary or secondary lower alkyl, phenyl, haloalkyl,aminoalkyl, hydrocarbonoxy, or halohydrocarbonoxy wherein at least twocarbon atoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms;each Q² isindependently hydrogen, halogen, primary or secondary lower alkyl,phenyl, haloalkyl, hydrocarbonoxy or halohydrocarbonoxy as defined forQ¹ ; X¹ is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic radical or ##STR14## X² is agroup displaceable by nucleophilic aliphatic substitution; each Z isindependently oxygen or sulfur; each R¹ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₄primary or secondary alkyl or a non hydrocarbon substituentsubstantially inert to displacement by nucleophilic moieties; R² is aC₁₋₃ alkylene radical which is unsubstituted or is substituted withmoieties selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ primary or secondaryalkyl radicals and non-hydrocarbon substituents as defined for R¹ ; eachR³ is independently R¹ or X² ; m is 0 or 1; and n is 1-3.
 2. Acomposition according to claim 1 wherein the reactive groups are amine,hydroxy, thio or carboxy groups or functional derivatives thereof.
 3. Acomposition according to claim 2 wherein the polyphenylene ether is apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether).
 4. A composition according toclaim 3 wherein X¹ is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic radical.
 5. Acomposition according to claim 4 wherein the polymer containing reactivegroups is a polyester, polyamide or carboxy-functionalized olefinpolymer.
 6. A composition according to claim 5 wherein each Z is oxygenand n is
 1. 7. A composition according to claim 6 wherein each R¹ andeach R³ is hydrogen.
 8. A composition according to claim 7 wherein X¹ isa primary or secondary lower alkyl radical.
 9. A composition accordingto claim 7 wherein X¹ is a monocyclic aromatic radical containing 6-10carbon atoms.
 10. A composition according to claim 9 wherein X¹ is2,4,6-trimethylphenyl.
 11. A composition according to claim 7 whereinthe polymer containing reactive groups is a polyester or polyamide. 12.A composition according to claim 6 which also contains an impactmodifier.
 13. A composition comprising copolymers prepared by thereaction of a polymer containing groups capable of nucleophilicaliphatic substitution with a product prepared by effecting reaction, inthe presence of an alkaline reagent, between a polyphenylene ether and asubstituted alkoxy- or alkylthiochlorotriazine of the formula ##STR15##wherein: X¹ is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic radical or ##STR16## X²is a group displaceable by nucleophilic aliphatic substitution; each Zis independently oxygen or sulfur;each R¹ is independently hydrogen,C₁₋₄ primary of secondary alkyl or a non-hydrocarbon substituentsubstantially inert to displacement by nucleophilic moieties; R² is aC₁₋₃ alkylene radical which is unsubstituted or is substituted withmoieties selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄ primary or secondaryalkyl radicals and non-hydrocarbon substituents as defined for R¹ ; eachR³ is independently R¹ or X² ; m is 0 or 1; and n is 1-31
 3. 14. Acomposition according to claim 13 wherein the reactive groups are amine,hydroxy, thio or carboxy groups or functional derivatives thereof.
 15. Acomposition according to claim 14 wherein the polyphenylene ether is apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether).
 16. A composition according toclaim 15 wherein X¹ is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aromatic radical.
 17. Acomposition according to claim 16 wherein the polymer containingreactive groups is a polyester, polyamide or carboxy-functionalizedolefin polymer.
 18. A composition according to claim 17 wherein each Zis oxygen, n is 1 and each R¹ and each R³ is hydrogen.
 19. A compositionaccording to claim 18 wherein X¹ is a monocyclic aromatic radicalcontaining 6-10 carbon atoms.
 20. A composition according to claim 18wherein the polymer containing reactive groups is a polyester orpolyamide.
 21. A composition according to claim 19 which also containsan impact modifier.